What Is Pork Butt?

Pork butt is a cut of pork taken from the upper part of the pig’s shoulder.

Despite the name, pork butt does not come from the rear of the pig. It comes from the shoulder, close to the neck, and is one of the best cuts for pulled pork, slow cooking, smoking and BBQ.

With the continuing demand for pulled pork and the rise in popularity of home smoking and barbecuing, pork butt has become much more popular in the UK over recent years.

In America, pork butt is often called Boston butt, and it is widely regarded as one of the best joints for proper pulled pork.

What Is Pork Butt?

Pork butt is a well-marbled pork joint cut from the upper shoulder of the pig.

It is a hard-working part of the animal, which means it contains fat and connective tissue that need time to break down. That might sound like a bad thing, but it is exactly what makes pork butt so good for low and slow cooking.

When cooked properly, pork butt becomes tender, juicy and easy to shred.

That is why it is such a popular cut for pulled pork.

Why Is It Called Pork Butt?

Pork butt is not called pork butt because it comes from the backside of the pig.

The name is thought to come from the old use of barrels, or “butts”, for storing and transporting pork. In parts of America, pork shoulder cuts were packed into these barrels, and the name Boston butt eventually stuck.

So yes, the name is confusing. But no, pork butt is not from the pig’s bottom.

Where Does Pork Butt Come From?

Pork butt comes from the upper shoulder of the pig, behind the neck.

This area is part of the shoulder, which is why pork butt is closely related to pork shoulder.

Pork butt is usually well marbled with fat, and it often includes the shoulder blade bone. That combination of fat, connective tissue and bone makes it ideal for slow cooking, smoking and BBQ.

Is Pork Butt the Same as Boston Butt?

Yes, pork butt and Boston butt usually refer to the same cut.

Boston butt is the American name for the upper shoulder cut. In the UK, it may be sold as pork butt, Boston butt, or sometimes described more generally as a shoulder cut depending on the butcher.

Whatever name is used, it is a fantastic cut for pulled pork.

Is Pork Butt the Same as Pork Shoulder?

Pork butt comes from the shoulder, but it is not always exactly the same as a standard pork shoulder joint.

Pork butt is taken from the upper part of the shoulder, closer to the neck. Many pork shoulder joints are cut from a slightly lower part of the shoulder and may be sold boneless.

Both cuts are good for low and slow cooking, but pork butt is especially popular for pulled pork because it has excellent fat marbling and connective tissue.

Pork Butt vs Pork Shoulder

The difference between pork butt and pork shoulder is mostly about where they are cut from and how they are prepared.

In reality, both can make good pulled pork, but pork butt is the classic choice if you want that proper BBQ-style result.

Why Is Pork Butt Good for Pulled Pork?

Pork butt is good for pulled pork because it has the right balance of meat, fat and connective tissue.

When cooked low and slow, the connective tissue breaks down, the fat renders through the meat, and the pork becomes soft enough to shred.

If you use a very lean pork joint for pulled pork, it can end up dry. Pork butt has enough fat to stay juicy during a long cook.

Is Pork Butt Lean?

No, pork butt is not a lean roasting joint.

It is a fattier, well-marbled cut designed for slow cooking. That is exactly why it works so well for pulled pork.

If you want a lean pork joint to roast and slice, pork loin or pork leg would usually be a better choice.

What Is the Best Way to Cook Pork Butt?

The best way to cook pork butt is low and slow.

You can cook pork butt in the oven, slow cooker, smoker or BBQ. The method can change, but the principle is the same: gentle heat, long cooking time, and patience.

This gives the fat and connective tissue time to break down, leaving you with tender pork that can be shredded easily.

How to Cook Pork Butt in the Oven

To cook pork butt in the oven, place it in a deep roasting dish, season well, cover, and cook low and slow.

As a guide, cook at Gas Mark 2, 150°C, or 130°C fan for around 6 hours, or until the meat is soft enough to shred.

Once cooked, the pork should pull apart easily using two forks or meat claws.

For more detail, read our guide on Weber kettle pulled pork, or our easy slow cooker pulled pork recipe.

Can You Cook Pork Butt in the Slow Cooker?

Yes, pork butt is brilliant in the slow cooker.

It is one of the easiest ways to cook pulled pork at home because the slow cooker keeps the pork moist while it cooks gently for hours.

Season the pork, add a small amount of liquid if needed, then cook until the pork pulls apart easily.

Can You Smoke Pork Butt?

Yes, smoking is one of the best ways to cook pork butt.

Pork butt is a favourite cut for BBQ pitmasters because it can handle long smoking times and takes on flavour beautifully.

Cook it low and slow until the pork is tender enough to shred. If you are smoking pork butt, a meat thermometer is extremely useful.

What Temperature Should Pork Butt Be Cooked To?

If you are cooking pork butt for pulled pork, tenderness matters more than hitting the minimum safe temperature.

Pork may be safely cooked before it is ready to pull, but pork butt needs to go further so the connective tissue breaks down properly.

For pulled pork, many people cook pork butt until it reaches around 90°C to 95°C internally, or until it probes tender and pulls apart easily.

If you are cooking it as a normal pork joint rather than pulling it, follow safe pork cooking guidance and use a thermometer to check it is cooked through.

How Do You Know Pork Butt Is Done?

Pork butt is done for pulled pork when it is tender enough to shred.

A thermometer is useful, but feel matters too. The meat should give easily when pressed or probed, and the bone, if included, should feel loose.

If the pork is still tough, it usually needs more time.

Can You Slice Pork Butt?

You can slice pork butt, but it is usually better pulled or shredded.

Because pork butt is a slow-cooking shoulder cut, it is not the best choice if you want neat slices like a pork loin roast.

If you want sliced roast pork, choose pork loin, pork leg or another roasting joint. If you want juicy pulled pork, choose pork butt.

What to Serve with Pork Butt

Pork butt is most commonly used for pulled pork, so it works brilliantly with BBQ-style sides.

Serve it with soft rolls, coleslaw, BBQ sauce, chips, wedges, corn on the cob, beans, mac and cheese, pickles, salad or loaded fries.

You can also use pulled pork in tacos, wraps, nachos, burgers, rice bowls, pies and sandwiches.

Browse our pork range or BBQ essentials collection for more ideas.

Tips for Cooking Pork Butt

• Cook it low and slow.
• Do not treat it like a quick roasting joint.
• Use a dry rub or seasoning for flavour.
• Allow plenty of cooking time.
• Use a thermometer if smoking or BBQ cooking.
• Cook until the meat pulls apart easily.
• Rest before shredding where possible.
• Mix some cooking juices back through the pulled pork for extra flavour.

Final Thoughts

Pork butt is a cut from the upper shoulder of the pig, not the rear.

It is also known as Boston butt and is one of the best cuts for pulled pork, smoking, BBQ and low and slow cooking.

It is not the cut to choose if you want lean, neat slices of roast pork. But if you want soft, juicy, shreddable pork with loads of flavour, pork butt is exactly what you want.

FAQs

What is pork butt?

Pork butt is a pork joint cut from the upper shoulder of the pig. It is also known as Boston butt and is commonly used for pulled pork.

Does pork butt come from the pig’s bum?

No. Despite the name, pork butt comes from the shoulder of the pig, not the rear.

Why is it called pork butt?

The name is thought to come from old storage and transport barrels called butts. Pork shoulder cuts were packed into these barrels, and the name stuck.

Is pork butt the same as pork shoulder?

Pork butt comes from the shoulder, but usually refers to the upper shoulder cut. Standard pork shoulder may be cut slightly differently.

Is pork butt good for pulled pork?

Yes, pork butt is one of the best cuts for pulled pork because it has enough fat and connective tissue to become tender and juicy when cooked low and slow.

How do you cook pork butt?

Cook pork butt low and slow in the oven, slow cooker, smoker or BBQ until the meat is tender enough to pull apart.

Can you roast pork butt?

Yes, but it is best roasted low and slow. It is better for pulled pork than for neat slices of roast pork.

What is another name for pork butt?

Pork butt is also known as Boston butt.